Andalusia Eyes Water Infrastructure, Jobs and Green Growth
Carolina España, minister of Economy, Finance and European Funds for the Junta de Andalucía, urged a strong push for hydraulic infrastructure across the region during the presentation of the report. The gathering featured notable figures such as Aytor Moll, CEO of Iberian Press; Antonio Pulido, head of the Cajasol Foundation; Sonia Gay, deputy mayor and Regional Delegate of the Presidency and Finance, and the director of economic information for Iberian Press, Seagull Sabals. The event, organized with Prensa Ibérica, saw sponsorship from Cepsa, Magtel, Statkraft, CTA, Cosentino, Abbott, and Sando. [Attributed report, Iberian Press]
España highlighted the drought that has affected Spain for months, hitting Andalusia especially hard, and noted that the weight of the region’s main industries remains higher than in other areas. She explained that the temporary dip in activity had been cushioned by tourism, services and exports, yet there is a clear need for hydraulic infrastructure. The discussion touched on PERTE projects focused on water and on investments designed to alleviate water scarcity. Regarding European Commission aid, España reminded the audience that only about 30 percent is administered by autonomous communities, and she asked for clarity on how many PERTEs would reach Andalusia. [Report excerpt]
In her remarks, España underscored her leadership in driving unemployment down in Andalusia and highlighted the region’s edge in job creation and exports. She pointed out that GDP in Andalusia is rising above the national average and has recovered to pre-pandemic levels. She stated that the Andalusian “economic miracle” is the result of solid management rather than tricks, and she stressed the social and economic benefits of a streamlined bureaucracy. The administration has prioritized easier processes for businesses and workers alike, with a policy focus on making employees direct beneficiaries of this transformation. [Economic progress note]
The plan released a foreign investment tally of 1,265 million euros, a figure approaching double the level seen in the previous four years. A budgetary package was unveiled to save 200 million euros for housing and to allocate an investment of 1,400 million euros, aimed at creating about 3,000 jobs in Seville. [Investment briefing]
Wealth and Quality Employment
When asked about the biggest challenges facing Andalusia’s major companies in the near term, the consensus centered on sustainability. José Alberto Gámiz Pérez, Sando’s general manager for conservation and energy, emphasized the need to address new societal demands. He explained that Sando has formed a conservation division to ensure that resource protection remains a top priority for investments. Statkraft echoed this sentiment, with Rodrigo Álvarez, director of business development, outlining a goal to maintain leadership in renewable energy. Andalusia’s wind and solar resources position the region well, and current renewable generation already surpasses 50 percent. [Company perspectives]
Other major players noted continued focus on green energy and economic renewal. Cepsa operates two energy parks in Andalusia and is pursuing green hydrogen production with the aim of driving the regional electricity backbone. Rosendo Rivero Cubeles, director of the San Roque Energy Park, described the company’s ambition to be a central force in the area’s electricity infrastructure. Cosentino has directed several investments toward Sevilla, with plans to extend production in Almería to serve global markets and to advance a new energy model emphasizing solar power and water efficiency. Magtel’s Martín Salgado Devicenzi highlighted ongoing investments in technology-driven solutions. Abbott has contributed to biotechnology advances, with results from diabetes care trials showing fewer hospital admissions and a move to incorporate such data into Andalusian medical records, signaling a landmark approach to healthcare data. [Industry insights]
Despite these advances, regional leaders emphasized that progress hinges on stronger public-private cooperation. Barranco Zafra from Abbott urged ongoing collaboration to unlock future opportunities and increase investment. Gámiz urged management to stay open to new possibilities, while Cosentino called for reduced bureaucratic burdens and greater policy stability, warning against volatility or undue scrutiny of business leaders. Forum participants agreed that ambitious, proactive leadership is essential to sustaining growth across the Andalusian economy. [Executive commentary]